Our Cambridge MBA consulting projects making a global impact

This year our MBA students embarked on 49 projects across 48 different companies, within 15 industry sectors worldwide. Live consulting projects are a key part of the one-year MBA programme at Cambridge Judge, an experiential curriculum that allows our students to not only build up their CV during their MBA year, but also develop and build relationships with global brands that Cambridge Judge has a longstanding professional relationship with. 

Looking at business challenges from AI to investment strategies, from sustainability strategies to global expansion, brands like the World Health Organization, the World Economic Forum and financial giant, Black Rock, have been working with our MBA Projects team for over a decade, in many cases. 

A 4-week consulting project with an international organisation, where the knowledge and skills acquired through the previous 6 months’ study is applied and put to the test. The GCP is a unique opportunity to work under pressure, with a small team of up to 5 MBA classmates. 

From energy and battery storage solutions in the US to copper mining in Chile and even ice-cream in Croatia – the learning was broad and impactful on this year’s Global Consulting Project (GCP) for Cambridge MBAs. 

The health sector

The project with Novartis Global Health involved taking a deep dive into global health NGOs. For example, a project to identify what Novartis could do apart from just supplying drugs to patients.  

“How could they create value in the supply chain and how could they be a shared partner in the patient journey?” explains team member and Nehru Trust for Cambridge University Scholarship recipient, Mansa Shroff.  

“I am grateful to my team members and the Novartis Global Health client, for the opportunity to contribute to addressing major, unresolved global health challenges,” continues team member Lavanya Dalasari.

“Novartis supervised and supported us at each step of the research. What an experience, working with such dedicated leaders who are committed to changing the landscape of global health” Mansa Shroff concludes. 

The global food sector

“Together, we presented the ice cream market trends of our respective home countries and conducted interviews with LEDO employees during our trip to Croatia,” describes MBA team member Yuka Irei.  

A project for Nomad Foods saw the team of four students travel to Croatia, as part of their 4-week consulting project.  

Participation in the Global Consulting project was a first for Ledo, the Zagreb-based frozen food and ice cream maker, and part of the Nomad Group. They hosted four MBA students from Japan, Iran, the US and Indonesia, together working on the ‘Future of Ice Cream’ project.  

“The team worked remotely most of their time, based in the UK and during their visit to Croatia they held meetings with key stakeholders from our sales, supply chain, marketing, finance, human resources and other departments, and of course, visited our factory,” a Ledo spokesperson said.

The finance sector

For Visa Europe it had been great spending time with the MBA team, “Seeing ideas develop and evolve over the weeks into actionable insights and recommendations.”  For Yohana Betania from the MBA team, it really was an “Incredible experience”. 

As well as working closely with our MBA Projects team, MBA students can also choose to self-source a project to support and maximise their career aims across their MBA year.  

One team working for the Dubai Future District Fund did exactly that, reaching out and connecting to an MFin alumnus from Cambridge Judge. Locating themselves in Dubai for the project, the MBA team working for Dubai Future District Fund, developed a project that looked at 3 pivotal investment areas. The future of finance, the future of work and the future of healthcare – all targeting the MENA region. 

Team member Romit Kapoor explains,  “These 3 sectors, ripe for innovation and growth, provided a fertile ground for us to integrate our rigorous Cambridge training with real-world financial complexities.” 

He continues, “The client feedback at our final presentation was overwhelmingly positive. The client praised the insightful analysis and strategic overview in our team’s findings, and they are looking forward to maintaining the partnership with Cambridge Judge and hosting further MBA project teams in the future.” 

He concludes, “This endorsement not only signifies a seal of approval from a key financial player in the MENA region but also paves the way for future cohorts to explore similar impactful opportunities.” 

The airline industry

Air India gave the team from Cambridge a rare insight into Air India’s ongoing transformation, “A journey that is both inspiring and rich in learning” said MBA student Calvin Liew.  

Calvin went onto explain,  “Beyond the project, what truly made this experience unforgettable was the vibrant tapestry of India itself. From the bustling streets to the serene landscapes, every moment was an adventure filled with the rich culture, history, and diversity that India is so proud of.” 

The MBA team thanked Air India for its warm hospitality, invaluable guidance and most importantly, its friendship. Calvin continued, “Your presence and support made our project experience all the more memorable. And thank you, India itself, for opening your arms and embracing us.” 

Sustainability and the ESG sector  

While travel overseas is not always possible for our GCP teams, one team received a warm invitation from the client to visit their copper mines in Chile.  

Minera Los Pelambres, part of the Antofagasta group of companies, gave a warm welcome to our team of 5 students, who visited the region and their factory holdings, across Chile,  “Collaborating alongside one of the world’s foremost copper companies was both a privilege and a remarkable experience for our team,” says Rocio Acosta Andrade. 

Thanking the client contacts, the MBA team again reiterated the “Invaluable guidance and unwavering support throughout our time in Chile”. 

Moving into the energy sector, Team Terralayr focused on providing a market analysis of energy flexibility and storage solutions in the US. Working with mentor and Cambridge Judge Business School faculty member Michael Pollitt, they meticulously covered select de-regulated states, analysing their energy markets, flexibility potential, revenue drivers, and policy landscapes. 

Abhishek Ramnath explains, “Throughout the project, we challenged conventional flexibility norms, delved into state-specific energy challenges, and devised innovative solutions leveraging battery technology.” 

Concluding the project the team said,  “As we wrap up, we’re intrigued by the potential of utility-scale batteries and eager to explore their broader significance beyond our project scope. Our team is eager to connect and delve deeper into this dynamic space.” 

Sadia Cuthbert, Head of Careers at Cambridge Judge says:  “We have offered fantastic project opportunities to our students again this year. The GCP is such an important leaning milestone for students, allowing them to apply their knowledge, their softer skills and to gain experience in new sectors. Teams are always tested in these high-time pressured situations of real consulting work. We look forward to great results again and a fantastic range of experiences.” 

We have offered fantastic project opportunities to our students again this year. The GCP is such an important leaning milestone for students, allowing them to apply their knowledge, their ‘softer skills’ and to gain experience in new sectors. Teams are always tested in these high-time pressured situations of real consulting work. We look forward to great results again and a fantastic range of experiences.

Sadia Cuthbert, Head of Careers at Cambridge Judge